Booyong Mountain

part 12

by

Lois Kay

They had made their way through the forest in a slow, but steady rhythm, blindly
trusting Yarra and Alice. The young blonde occasionally gave her dark-skinned
partner some whispered instructions, trusting Yarra, who knew the forest like
the back of her hand, to be their eyes in the darkness.

Deeper and deeper into the forest they had hiked, dodging slick rocks and roots
and constantly swatting at mosquitos that swarmed around their heads.

"Just talking to my eager dog," Sam chuckled. "He cant
wait to get off the leash and follow tracks."

"Im sure he can do that soon enough," Trishia answered.

"Thats what I told him," Sam smiled, reaching down and giving
the German Shepherd a scratch behind his ears.

Suddenly the small group halted and Sam could hear Peter Jones, who was walking
behind her, mumble a curse when he almost ran into her.

"Sorry, Sam," he apologized. "I cant see a thing."

"I know. But dont worry about it, Pete, it will be day soon,"
Sam answered, looking up and spotting some light grey patches of sky through the
dense canopy of trees. "Why did we stop?"

Alice, who had grabbed Yarras hand, turned around and cast a look at
the tired, but expectant faces behind her, illuminated by the soft beam of one,
single flashlight. Trishia had insisted on as little light as possible, not willing
to give away their presence.

In total silence, the two police officers carefully made their way through
the bushes and within a few moments they had disappeared out of sight, while the
others waited, their stomach tied in knots.

Trishia and Peter did not waste any time. They knew there was a chance that,
if Alice had been right about the location, they would run into Fionas and
Robins kidnapper. But if they did, the element of surprise was on their
side.

As soon as they cleared the bushes, the two police officers stood in front
of a steep rise in the hillside. Immediately their eyes fell on the makeshift
door that was pushed aside, giving them a clear view of the small opening in the
rocks.

"A cave," Peter mumbled. "I guess Alice was spot on. But it
seems to me like theres nobody home, unless...." He paused and cast
a look at Trishia whose expression was a grim one.

Before Peter could even respond, Trishia was already crawling through the narrow
opening, her gun firmly clenched in her fist. Peter did not know he had been holding
his breath, until Trishias voice called out to him:No one here,
and he exhaled slowly.

He watched Trishia crawl back through the opening again and quickly jump to
her feet.

"I should kick your butt for crawling in there," Peter scoffed, but
there was a twinkle in his eyes. They both knew he would have done the same thing.

"You can kick butt when we find this bloke," Trishia promised, brushing
her jeans and long-sleeved t-shirt. "We need Kurt to track the girls. Ive
a feeling they made a run for it."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I saw a stack of supplies, so my guess is he wanted to keep them
there for a while, but they re not there now. Neither Robin nor Fiona are
the kind of people to sit around, passively waiting to see what will happen next."

"I hope youre right," Peter sighed. "But hes a big
dude, Trish."

"I know. Weve got no time to lose, Pete, lets go back to the
others."

The others, Sam, Yarra and Alice were impatiently waiting and when Trishia
and Peter came back into view, Kurt let out a frustrated, high pitched howl.

"Alright, Kurt," Trishia said, nodding at Sam. "Its time
for you to find Fiona."

Hearing the familiar sound that identified one of his favorite humans, Kurts
ears twitched and he pulled his leash, not wanting to waste any more time. He
loved his human pack, but couldnt they smell it? He could easily detect
the tall, dark-haired one and the other human. Their scent was mixed in with another
one, one that made him growl deep in his throat. It was a scent of blood, sweat
and anger and Kurt wanted to find the source of it, because his canine instinct
told him it was the smell of trouble.

Again he pulled his leash, softly whining and this time they listened. His
pack made room for him to pass and even though Sam still held him on the leash,
at least she was following him.

Kurt pulled hard, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. He wanted to run, to
fly down the steep mountain and find his humans. The Sheperd had no time to investigate
all the interesting smells the forest had to offer. His nose only followed one
distinct scent and, even when a small bird flew up from the ferns just in front
of him, Kurt did not allow himself to be sidetracked.

"Its getting light, thank goodness," Sam breathed. It was hard
to keep up with the anxious dog. The forest floor was uneven and even though the
sky was rapidly losing its darkness, it was still hard to see what was right in
front of her. But Sam did not want to give her dog free rein, not yet. She knew
Kurt would make a run for it as soon as she would unclip his leash, but they needed
him to find Fiona and Robin. Without the Sheperd it would be very hard to find
the two women in the dense forest.

Yarras ears picked up the sound of running water and when Kurt started
to lead them straight down the hill, a small smile appeared on her face.

"They went down to the creek," she spoke.

"You sound so sure," Sam frowned, hoping and praying the veterinarian
would be right.

"Its what my dad taught us a long time ago. Fiona was with us,"
Yarra explained. "He made sure that we knew to find water, whenever we would
get lost. Fiona did, look," Yarra pointed at a small bush with branches that
were bent and pushed to the ground.

"Seems to me that someone fell, but dug their heels into the ground,"
Yarra explained. "Must have been Fi or Robin. That big bloke would have made
deeper tracks."

"Lets get going," Sam spoke. Kurt was getting more and more
restless and she knew they were probably very close. She wished she could just
call out, but she knew the kidnapper could be within hearing distance.

Kurt was almost impossible to control now. The German Sheperd pulled so hard,
Sam had trouble keeping her balance. Whenever she stood still for a few seconds,
the dog whined softly, his intelligent brown eyes staring at the bushes in front
of him. The smell was so strong it was almost driving him nuts. If only his pack
could understand. They were so close...

And then, all of a sudden, they cleared the forest. In front of them was the
creek. The bleak light of the early morning turned the water into a stream of
living silver, but nobody had eyes for the beauty that was spread out in front
of them.

Kurt let out an angry bark and growled, a rumbling sound that came from deep
within his chest and when Sam looked down, she saw the dogs upper lip was
pulled back, showing strong, sharp teeth, while his ears were lying flat in his
neck and the hair of his back stood upright.

"What the...?"

The sound of two guns being cocked made her look up and then she saw it. Across
the creek she saw the tall figure of a man, all dressed in black. His back was
turned towards them while he hurried away, but Sam was certain that if he would
turn around, they would see a mask covering his face.

Robin had grabbed Fionas arm to prevent her from jumping up. She knew
they were hidden behind the huge boulder, but if their kidnapper would find them
anyway, there was no where to go. They would be trapped.

A bark made the birds around them fly up, protesting loudly and when Robin
and Fiona looked at each other, they both sported a huge smile.

"Kurt," Fiona said, knowing that if the Sheperd was close, rescue
was near.

They both jumped up at the same time and as soon as they were able to look
over the boulder, their breaths were caught in their throats. Running towards
them was the tall, broad-shouldered figure of their kidnapper. They spotted each
other simultaneously and for a moment they could only stare.

Behind the big man, on the other side of the creek, Fiona could see the distinct
figures of her family and friends.

"Shit," she whispered, when she noticed the gun in their kidnappers
hand.

"Get down," she yelled, pushing Robin back to the ground when the
hand with the weapon in it was raised and aimed at them.

A loud, crackling sound shattered the silence and both Fiona and Robin could
hear a bullet impact against the rock they were hiding behind. They were showered
with small shards of rock and Fiona gritted her teeth, wishing there was a way
for them to make a run for it.

"Kurt! No!" she suddenly heard Sams voice and Fiona, who knew
what was about to happen, impulsively jumped up again, her hands clenched into
fists, ignoring the muttered curse that was coming from Robin.

With wide eyes all spectators on both sides of the creek watched as the big
German Shepherd, who had pulled himself free from Sams tight grip, almost
flew over the rocks and pebbles, heading straight towards the tall, dark figure,
who had just fired a shot at one of his pack.

With a furious growl, Kurt jumped over the rocks that were in his way, not
caring that some of the smaller ones cut the soles of his paws.

The tall man had heard his growl and turned around. For a moment his body froze,
but then he turned around to face the Shepherd and without hesitation he raised
his gun.

With an angry, unearthly howl, Kurt launched himself in the air, crashing into
the sturdy frame of the tall man, sending them both to the ground. A shot rang
through the forest, followed by Sams voice: "Kurt!"

But the dog had no time for his leader. He had sunk his teeth in the mans
shoulder, ignoring the howls of pain, and every time he tried to move, he bit
a little harder.

In the meantime Fiona, who had watched it all happen, jumped out of her hiding
place and hurried towards the fallen man, intent on kicking the gun, that had
tumbled to the ground, out of his way.

"Good boy," she panted when she reached Kurt. Using her foot, she
carefully pushed the gun aside, hoping it wouldnt fire. It didnt and
she let out a breath of relief when the weapon was out of her kidnappers
reach.

Taking a step back, she watched Trishia and Peter run towards them, followed
by Sam, Yarra and Alice.

"Hey, guys," she greeted them with a tired smile. "What took
you so long?"

"We had to finish dinner first," Sam quipped, her blue eyes taking
in the tired, drawn face of her sister-in-law. "Are you alright?"

Fiona just nodded and took in a deep breath, wondering why, all of a sudden,
she felt like crying. Sucking in her bottom lip she stared at her feet, trying
to regain her composure, when a hand on her arm forced her to look up.

"Its okay to let it out," Alices voice was warm and gentle
when she hugged her friend close and Fiona smiled through the tears that suddenly
rolled down her cheeks.

"Its the reputation thing," she sniffed, trying to joke.

"To hell with your rep," Sam sighed, reaching out and pulling the
photographer firmly in her arms. "Cmere, Red."

Burying her face in Fionas messy hair, Sam could feel her own tears sting
and she swallowed hard. Words would not be able to describe how scared she had
been. From the first moment she had seen the security tape, showing the smart,
cold- hearted kidnapping of Fiona and Robin, she had been sick to her stomach,
afraid that the two women could not be found. Ever. And knowing what that could
have done to Jody.

"We were all so scared, Fi," Sam whispered, pulling the dark-haired
woman closer.

"He didnt hurt you, did he?"

"Not really," Fiona answered with a sigh, slowly pulling away from
Sam and looking at the big man, who was now lying on his stomach, his hands tied
behind his back with a pair of handcuffs. The fabric was torn away from his right
shoulder and Kurts teeth marks were clearly visible.

"Kurt," Fiona suddenly spoke, looking at the brave dog, who was still
panting heavily. Yarra had turned him onto his side and was examining the dog
with careful fingers.

"Is he alright?" Sam asked worriedly, gasping in horror when she
noticed the bloodstained fur.

"Hell be fine, Sam," Yarra hurried to reassure her friend.
"The bullet just grazed him. He only has a superficial wound, nothing major.
Ill wash it out and when we get home Ill dress it." Yarras
brown eyes were warm and shone with respect when she looked up at the tall blonde.

"You taught him well, Sam."

"Hes a smart dog," Sam shrugged, but her eyes were twinkling.

She knelt next to Kurt and gave the dog a quick hug, something he allowed with
a soft grunt. His eyes, full of trust and loyalty, looked up at her and Sam smiled.

"You are a hero, boy," she said, grinning when the Shepherd thumped
his tail against the ground. "Im sure your other mommy will spoil you
rotten once she hears how you have saved her sister."

"Im sure she will," Trishia agreed, wiping her hands on her
shorts. "By the way, that was the stupidest thing Ive ever seen you
do, Fiona," she spoke, sending the photographer a look that was a mixture
of happiness, annoyance and long-suffering. If Kurt had not been so fast, Fiona
could have been shot after she had jumped up again. Trishia sighed and sent the
youngest McDonnell a tired, but happy smile. "But I sure am happy to see
you."

"Thanks," Fiona mumbled, when she disappeared in another pair of
long, strong arms.

Peter sent Trishia a quizzical look, but the police woman just shrugged her
shoulders.

"When and why?" she asked with more patience than she felt. The fact
that they had found Robin and Fiona in good health had taken a tremendous weight
off her shoulders, but she really wanted to hike back to their cars and make sure
everybody would return home safely.

"Not here," the man answered stubbornly.

"Im afraid youve no choice in the matter, mate," Peter
answered and before the kidnapper could react, the police man had reached out
and pulled off the ski-mask in one, fluid motion.

Immediately, he took a step back and gasped loudly, a sound that was echoed
by the onlookers.

"Good God. What happened to you?" Peter asked in a hoarse voice.

The tall mans face looked like it had melted. Scars littered the red
and swollen skin. One eye was shut, while the other one seemed to be pulled down
by the mangled skin of his cheek. The nose was nothing but a small clump of flesh
and his upper lip had completely disappeared, just like one of his ears.

"Chemical burns," Trishias voice sounded softly. She had seen
it before, knowing things like battery acid were sometimes used as a weapon. She
understood the mans pain and his reluctance to show his face. People could
be harsh and unfeeling in the way they treated others who had the misfortune to
be disfigured. And even though their suspect obviously was a criminal, there was
no reason for them to add to his daily suffering.

"Fine, have it your way," Trishia shrugged her shoulders, watching
Peter Jones put the mans ski-mask back into place. "You know well
find out anyway, sooner or later. But if you cooperate, your life will be a lot
more pleasant." Trishia stepped closer and searched for the eye, the only
thing visible through the mask. "But when my friends and family are kidnapped
and shot at, I tend to take it personally," she warned him in a low voice,
before turning on her heels and motioning the rest to follow them.

"Lets go, people, Ive had enough hiking for a while."

"Amen to that," Robin sighed, willing her tired body to obey. The
first few steps were the hardest, she knew. Her muscles were pulling and screaming
in agony and a quick glance aside showed her Fiona was in no better shape. The
photographers t-shirt was ripped at the side, something that must have happened
when she had lost her balance and Fiona had caught her, stopping her from rolling
down the hill. Her face was dirty and the dark-green eyes were bloodshot from
lack of sleep.

If Fiona looks that bad, how do I look? Must be awful.

Robin sighed and automatically put one foot in front of the other, trying not
to think of the long, steep climb that was still ahead of them. If she would listen
to her body, she would find a grassy spot, lie down and sleep. For hours. Maybe
even days. But she knew that was impossible. They needed to keep going. Maybe
if she would think positive thoughts it would help her forget about the pain and
fatigue.

Robins heart jumped in her chest when she remembered how it had felt
to rest, snuggled up against Fionas taller frame, the photographers
arms firmly wrapped around her body. Even though she had been scared, tired, cold
and hungry, the close contact had provided her with something she thought she
would never experience again: a warmth and safety born out of the comforting presence
of a person who had captured her heart.

Because that was exactly what had happened; she had fallen for Fiona McDonnell.
It had been a swift conquest that had taken her completely by surprise. Ever since
they had met, Robin had tried hard to ignore the little voices in the back of
her mind, not looking forward to all the complications a one-sided...crush...would
bring. Until last night.

Until Fionas whispered: Its still unwritten.

Those few words suddenly had changed...everything. Robin knew Fiona had not
said it yet, but she felt in her heart that the photographer had been talking
about her feelings for her, Robin Adams. And, suddenly, things had looked totally
different.

Her feelings for Fiona McDonnell had not been one-sided at all.

Unconsciously Robin smiled, sensing a warm feeling settle in the pit of her
stomach. When she glanced up, it was as if Fiona had been reading her mind, because
a pair of tired dark-green eyes looked at her with a mixture of shyness and affection
and Robin sent the photographer a warm smile.

She knew they needed to talk, but she had promised to wait until Fiona was
ready. And she would. As long as she needed to. And, in the meantime, they could
get to know each other better, since they had only met each other the previous
week.

Robin shook her head in silent amazement and suppressed a chuckle. Who could
have known this would happen to her? She seriously thought she would have been
too old to lose her heart so drastically.

Time for a bath, some sleep and some serious reflections, Robbie.

"Amen to that," Robin sighed, not aware of having spoken those words
out loud.

"To what?" Sam asked curiously, walking right behind Robin. She had
given Kurt free rein to wonder around, knowing the dog would be close and always
would come when she would call him. He apparently had not suffered from his superficial
wound, because as soon as Sam had unfastened his leash, he had taken off into
the forest with a happy bark.

Robin cast a look over her shoulder and smiled at her boss.

"I must be exhausted. I didnt even realize I was talking aloud,"
she explained with a shrug of her shoulders. "I was thinking how nice it
would be to have a shower and a good sleep."

"Amen to that," Sam smiled warmly, repeating Robins earlier
words. "Your brother will be so thrilled to see you. Trishia practically
had to order him to stay home, he was so eager to come with us."

"Its a good thing he didnt. Josh is the best brother I could
have wished for, but he can be a bit of a hothead, sometimes. Im afraid
he would have been right next to Kurt when he attacked."

"Trishia told him and Michael to stay home and take care of the women,"
Sam pulled a face, which made Robin smile. "Jody can take care of herself
and so can Lucy, but I guess it sounded good enough. Trish only wanted a small
group to come along, to keep things quiet."

The next few minutes, they all climbed the steep hill in silence. The only
person who seemed to have no trouble at all, was Yarra. It was obvious she was
holding back in order to give the rest of them a chance to catch their breath.
Making sure to stay close to Alice, she often took the blondes arm or hand
to help her cross the most difficult areas.

Fiona intercepted a few glances between the couple and she inwardly smiled.
Yarra and Alice were so cute together. They always had been, and it seemed that,
as they grew more older and mature, their deepening relationship was often reflected
in soft touches and knowing glances. In Fionas mind, Yarra and Alice belonged
together just like Sam and Jody did.

"How are you doing, Fi?" Yarra called out to her friend.

"Just peachy," Fiona answered, trying not to pant. She was exhausted
and wondered if the gas their kidnapper had used, had done some damage to her
lungs. Her legs still felt heavy and the headache she had successfully fought
before, was threatening to come back full force. "But Ive had better
days though," she added with a grimace, trying to ignore the throbbing pain
behind her eyes.

"It wont be long now, mate, hang in there," Yarra called over
her shoulder. "Just one last steep bit and after that it will be a walk in
the park."

"Ill hold you to that," Robin muttered. The biologist had never
felt more tired in her entire life. Her legs felt like rubber and her breathing
was labored, while her head felt like it was filled with cotton-wool and her eyes
were burning, begging to be closed.

With a look that bordered on desperation, Robin looked up at the last
steep bit as Yarra had called it. Steep it was, she had to agree, but the
trees prevented a clear view and it was impossible to tell how long the climb
would take.

A hand on her shoulder made Robin look up she smiled weakly at Fiona who looked
at her with obvious concern.

"Will you be alright?" the photographer asked.

"Do I have a choice?" Robin replied with a grimace, fighting the
urge to rub her cheek against the warm hand on her shoulder.

"I could carry you up," Fiona suggested with a twinkle in her eyes.

"That would be a sight to see," Robin chuckled. Not able to resist
any longer, she just had to touch Fiona, she covered the hand on her shoulder
with her own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Ill be right behind you," Fiona promised.

"Thank you," Robin nodded, wishing she could just snuggle up against
Fiona and go to sleep. Now she knew how it felt to be held by the photographer,
her body seemed to crave the contact with an intensity Robin had never experienced
before.

I must either be extremely exhausted or head over heels. Or both...

Fiona glanced at the small group in front of them. Like Yarra and Alice, Trishia
and Peter were already out of sight, their prisoner in between them. Fiona didnt
know how they did it, but every now and then, it was like the two police officers
hauled the big man up, not willing to take off the handcuffs.

Sam was steadily following, a determined expression on her face, using Kurts
leash as a rope in her climb back up the hill.

"Come on, Robin, you can do it," Fiona encouraged, gently pushing
the other woman forward.

With a grunt, Robin reached out and grasped a branch, pulling herself up. When
her right leg felt like it would slip away from underneath her body, Fionas
hands were immediately around her waist, steadying her until she had regained
her balance.

"You know, if I could, Id carry you up," Fionas voice
sounded close to her ear and Robin smiled. She knew it was impossible, but the
sentiment was endearing and she half-turned to give the surprised photographer
a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I know you would, thank you."

"No worries," Fiona drawled with shining eyes, while her fingers
touched the spot Robin had just kissed her.

"Youre so sweet," Robin added with a smile, before turning
her attention back to the climb ahead.

With a happy grin on her face, Fiona followed close behind.

"Taryn, no!" Jody warned her daughter for the second time, quickly
grabbing a little hand. "Thats your brothers toy, not a weapon."

A pair of innocent green eyes looked up at her from the floor, but Jody wasnt
fooled by the sweet glance she was receiving, so she sent her daughter a stern
glare, which had the desired effect, because Taryns bottom lip started trembling.

"Mama?"

"Hopefully mama will be home soon, sweetie. In the meantime, youll
have to put up with me and I dont want you to hit Tim with his fire truck.
No hitting!"

Taryn looked at the red truck in her hands and decided it wasnt worth
the fuss. With a determined gesture, she tossed the toy in a corner and crawled
over to Jodys mother, reaching out both hands.

"Gwamma!"

With a smile, Joan McDonnell lifted the toddler off the floor into her lap,
nuzzling the soft hair that smelled like baby-shampoo.

"They re a little out of sorts, honey," Joan spoke to her eldest
daughter. "They pick up on the tension."

"I know," Jody sighed, casting a look at Lucy who was stretched out
on the couch. It had taken her a lot of convincing, but she had finally managed
to get her exhausted sister to lie down for a while.

"Its been daylight for a while now. I just wish wed hear something.
The longer it takes, the more tense I feel. And poor Joshua," Jody sighed,
glancing outside where she could see Robins brother pace the veranda, while
Michael was quietly sitting on the railing.

Jody nodded and looked down when she felt a hand pat her leg. A pair of clear
blue eyes looked up at her pleadingly and immediately she smiled.

"Come here, big guy," she said, lifting Timothy into her arms. The
little boy wrapped his arms around his mothers neck and pressed his cheek
against hers in a gesture of silent comfort.

Jodys thoughts traveled back to the moment she had kissed Sam goodbye,
when the small group had set out to find Fiona and Robin. Sam had been filled
with quiet determination and Jody knew her partner would not want to come home
without the two women.

"Well find them," Sam had promised, her voice full of confidence
and Jody hoped and prayed that would be the case.

For a long time it was silent, while both Jody and Joan McDonnell were lost
in thought, each of them holding an unusually quiet toddler, while Lucy had drifted
off to sleep on the couch.

The first warm rays of morning sun came tumbling into the room, illuminating
red lights in Jodys and Taryns hair, something that made Joan McDonnell
smile softly. They were so much alike, mother and daughter, while Timothy had
all the physical characteristics of the Stevens. Her grandchildren were
the perfect reflection of their parents love for each other and, again, Joan McDonnell
said a silent prayer of gratitude for having had the chance to come to accept
the relationship between her daughter and Samantha Stevens. She would have missed
out on so much if she hadnt.

The long-awaited, but still unexpected sound of the phone made Jody almost
jump out of her seat and with trembling fingers she reached for the device, seeing
Lucy shoot up straight and hearing the slamming of the kitchen door when both
Michael and Joshua came running in.

"They re fine," she repeated in a hoarse voice, immediately
seeing Lucy sink back in the pillows, while Joshua had to hold on to the back
of a chair to keep from sinking through his knees that suddenly felt like they
were filled with gelatin.

"Where are you?"

"We just climbed Mount Everest, or so it feels," Fionas explained
in a tired, but happy voice. "Sam promised well be home in time for
breakfast and I have to admit Im dying for a cup of coffee."

"Ill make sure its right here waiting for you," Jody
smiled, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye. "Are you sure you
and Robin are alright?"

"Just tired, hungry and in dire need of a shower. We re fine. Kurt
caught the bad guy and Peter will escort him to jail. I guess it was a pretty
productive morning."

"Kurt caught the bad guy? Honey, what..." Jody sighed and shook her
head with a smile. "Im sure well hear all about it when youre
home." Glancing at Joshua, Jody smiled. "Fiona, honey, can Joshua talk
with Robin for a moment? Im sure hell feel a lot better if he can
hear her voice."

"Sure thing, sis. Here she comes, Ill see you soon."

Jody handed the phone to Joshua, who eagerly grabbed it and brought it to his
ear.

"Robbie?"

"Hey, Josh. Are you alright?"

"I was worried sick," Joshua answered with something close to a sob.
"Did they catch the bloke?"

"Yes, they did," Robins tired voice answered.

"Are you alright? Did...did he hurt you?"

"No, he didnt, Josh," Robin hurried to reassure her brother.
"Fiona and I are both alright, just tired, hungry and..." Joshua could
hear his sister make a sniffing sound and he chuckled. "...dirty," she
added with a trace of amusement. "We re heading to the cars right now
and we should be home in about thirty minutes."

"Great, Im so happy, Robin. I was so worried about you."

"I know, honey. I was worried about you as well. But its over now,
alright? Were coming home. Can you hand the phone back to Jody. Im
sure shed like to talk to Sam, since this is Sams phone to start with,"
Robin chuckled. "Ill see you in a little bit, big brother."

Joshua nodded and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, while he handed
Jody back the phone.

"Spot on," Sam answered with a happy sigh and Jody could almost picture
the twinkle in her partners clear blue eyes. "And Yarra is the best
darn tracker Ive ever seen. Of course I already knew that," Sam added
with a laugh. "But it was nice to see it confirmed again. Oh, and honey?
Kurt deserves a big, fat juicy bone."

"Hell get one," Jody promised, looking down when a small, but
insistent hand tugged on her arm.

"Mama?" Timothy almost begged, his eyes full of expectation.

"Yes, its mama and shell be home soon, honey."

"Is that Tim?"

"Yes and Taryn is wiggling her way down off moms lap. Theyve
missed you this morning when you werent there."

"Ive missed them too," Sam sighed. "I love it when theyre
just awake and snuggle with us in bed. Maybe we can do a little snuggling later,"
Sams voice was hopeful and Jody smiled.

With a smile, Jody put down the phone and got up to walk to the couch, plant
Timothy in Lucys lap, enveloping them both in a quick, but heartfelt hug
and then turned towards her mother, who was silently crying. Kneeling in front
of Joan McDonnell Jody wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close, silently
rocking her in a comforting gesture that always worked wonders with her twins.

"I know, baby," Joan McDonnell sniffed, wiping her eyes with the
back of her hand. "Its just..."

"I understand," Jody smiled. "Weve all been under a lot
of stress. To be honest, I dont know what to feel right now. Part of me
wants to jump up and dance and the other part wants to sit down and cry."

"See? Ive always known you were a nutcase, Jody McDonnell,"
Lucy laughed through her tears, making her mother smile.

"Thanks, Luce, coming from you Ill take that as a compliment,"
Jody grinned, patting her mother on the shoulder. "I need some help in the
kitchen, Mom. Im sure everybody is starving."

Trishia had left Fionas and Robins kidnapper in the capable hands
of Peter Jones, who, together with a uniformed police officer, would accompany
the man to the police station.

Trishia wanted to go with them, so she could be part of the interrogation team,
but an even bigger part of her wanted to be with Lucy and her family. To be together
and celebrate their fortune in having found Fiona and Robin. Alive and well. How
many times had she been part of an investigation when victims of a kidnapping
were found dead?

Trishia swallowed hard and tried to focus on steering her car down the hill.
Sams car with Yarra, Alice, Robin and Fiona was in front of her, while the
police car with Peter was somewhere behind her. The road was narrow and trying
to overtake a car was treacherous, to say the least. The view was simply breathtaking
but there were no sturdy railings shielding the cars from the steep drops on the
side of the road, so Trishia concentrated on the road in front of her, occasionally
glancing in her rearview mirror.

Peter Jones sat half-turned in the passenger seat, so he could keep an eye
on his prisoner. The man had been very quiet and Peter did not trust him at all.
His instincts, honed by years of working in the police force, told him there was
a lot more to Fionas and Robins kidnapper than met the eye. And Peter
knew he had to be alert.

He had not talked to Trishia about his gut-feeling, there had been no need.
Her eyes had reflected his emotions and he had mentally patted himself on the
shoulder. He respected and admired Trishia and unconsciously being on the same
wave-length as his Senior-Sergeant was something he was secretly proud of.

A low growl was his answer and Peter shrugged his shoulders, not at all impressed.
During his career he had been called all the names known to mankind, and then
some, so a little growling was hardly intimidating.

"Tell you what," he continued, almost cheerfully. "Back in the
forest you told us your names Frankenstein. I cant call you that,
but Ill call you Frank. How about that, mate?"

"Go to hell," was the answer, followed by a cough and Peter just
shook his head.

"Whatever."

Another cough followed and Peter and the police officer driving the car exchanged
a look when the coughing became deeper and longer.

"Do you need some water?" Peter asked, not unfriendly, but he received
no answer, just a dark glance from behind the mask.

"You heard what he said, he cant breathe," Daniel answered
in a voice that was a pitch higher than normal.

"Did you ever consider that can be a trick?" Peter asked patiently,
immediately seeing the light blush color the face of the rookie police man. "Thats
what I thought. Just let him cough and give him time to catch his breath, alright?
Well know when hes really getting in trouble, believe me."

But the coughing did not stop and Daniel Tiller shot Peter Jones an insecure
look. He had heard a lot of stories about Peter Jones and Trishia Waters, both
seasoned police officers who were highly respected by their peers. But even an
experienced Peter Jones could make a mistake, couldnt he? What if their
suspect was choking and they didnt do anything to help him?

The sound of wheezing almost made Daniel Tiller jump and casting one last glance
at Peter Jones calm face, he made a decision. Quickly opening the door,
he jumped out and opened the door to the backseat. He leaned forward, intent to
slap the big man on his back to help him breathe better, when all of a sudden
all air left his lungs with a loud whooshing sound when a pair of strong legs
impacted with his chest.

Daniel Tiller literally flew out of the car, backwards, to slam into a tree
on the side of the road, where he slowly slid down, gasping for breath.

Before Peter Jones could make it out of the car, Frank was standing
next to Daniel Tiller with one foot pressing against the incapacitated police
officers throat.

"Keys," his raspy voice commanded.

"What?" Peter asked, knowing full well what he meant, but hoping
that maybe he could buy some time.

"Throw the keys of the handcuffs, so mister Green here can hand them to
me. If not, Ill crush his windpipe."

With a frustrated groan and a muttered curse, Peter pulled a pair of keys out
of his pocket and threw them at the two men. They landed just in front of Daniel
Tillers hand.

"Pick up the keys and open the handcuff," Frank commanded
while putting even more pressure on the police mans throat. With concern
Peter noticed that Daniel Tiller was rapidly becoming blue in the face and inwardly
he cursed.

With trembling fingers, the rookie managed to open one of the handcuffs and,
when he could feel the pressure on his throat disappear, he took a deep, wheezing
gulp of air that immediately made him cough violently. In spite of his predicament,
Daniel Tiller had not forgotten his training and his hand searched for his gun,
only to be slapped away by a larger one.

"Thanks, mate," a raspy voice sounded close to his ear.

Peter, who had already pulled his gun had quickly jumped behind the police
car when he had noticed how Frank had positioned himself behind the
rookie and had taken possession of Daniels gun. He had no clear shot and
with utter frustration Peter had to watch how Frank whispered something
to Daniel, before knocking him out cold with the butt of the gun and disappearing
in the thick, green wall of the forest behind him.